Pluggable Contactor Coil Terminal for Tight-Space Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional coil terminals on contactors are inflexible and can interfere with other components in tight spaces, making installation inconvenient and obstructing cable connections.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable coil terminal system with interchangeable insertion at both ends of the contactor, featuring interlocking coupler sections and a clamping structure to prevent movement and accidental unplugging, allowing for flexible installation and expansion of contactor functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed coil terminal is permanently installed on the contactor, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the installation flexibility is reduced and it may interfere with other components in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coil terminal is divided into separable parts: a pluggable coil terminal assembly that can be detached from the contactor body. This segmentation allows the terminal to be removed or repositioned, providing installation flexibility while maintaining a stable connected state when installed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coil terminal transitions from a static fixed installation to a dynamic pluggable design. The terminal can be inserted into or removed from the contactor body as needed, allowing the system to adapt between stable connected state and flexible reconfigurable state, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the coil terminal sticks out on the exterior of the contactor body, then it allows easy cable connection, but it interferes with other functional components in tight installation spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection convenienceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coil terminal is extracted as a separate pluggable component from the contactor body. When installation space is limited, the terminal can be removed or positioned to minimize protrusion, while still allowing cable connections to be made when needed, thus resolving the conflict between ease of operation and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the coil terminal is made pluggable and interchangeable, then installation flexibility is improved, but the risk of accidental unplugging increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A clamping structure is pre-configured within the contactor body that automatically engages with the coil terminal upon insertion. This preliminary action of pre-positioning the clamping mechanism ensures that once the terminal is plugged in, it is securely held, preventing accidental unplugging while maintaining the pluggable design for installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping structure provides a preliminary counteracting force that prevents the coil terminal from being accidentally dislodged. By having the clamping mechanism ready to engage and hold the terminal firmly, it counteracts any unintended forces that might cause unplugging, thus maintaining reliability despite the pluggable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If a clamping structure is added to prevent movement and accidental unplugging, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure is merged with the contactor body as an integrated component rather than a separate addition. This combining of the clamping function into the existing housing structure minimizes additional complexity while providing the necessary stability to prevent accidental unplugging of the pluggable terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy and secure installation of coil terminals in tight spaces, prevents accidental unplugging, and allows for the integration of intelligent expansion modules, enhancing contactor functionality and stability.

Implementation Method 1

said second coupler sections are capable of forming a conductive connection with any first coupler section within the coil framework due to their profiles interlocking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

there also being a clamping structure between the contactor housing and the coil terminal whereby when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor, it prevents movement of said contactor housing relative to said coil terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

by passing electricity through the coil, an electromagnetic attraction is created between the static iron core and the moving iron core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3503156B1Contactor comprising a pluggable coil terminal and a seal cover and a method for installing
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 EATON ELECTRIC INC
  • EP3503156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3503156B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3503156B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention provides a type of pluggable contactor use coil terminal, whereby said coil terminal can be interchangeably inserted into the contactor or detached therefrom, said contactor being comprised of a coil framework, whereby the contactor also comprises: a plurality of first coupler sections disposed in positions at the plurality of end sections of the coil framework respectively, the plurality of first coupler sections being conductively connected with the coils disposed on the coil framework; second coupler sections of the coil terminal protruding in the direction of one side from the coil terminal, such that when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor, the second coupler sections are capable of forming a conductive connection with any first coupler section within the coil framework due to their profiles interlocking. Based on the coil terminal for contactor use of this invention, it is possible to achieve flexible coil terminal installation, which furthermore leads to the tight installation of the contactor and provides convenient installation ports for expanded installation of other intelligent components. Furthermore, this invention also provides an installation method for the installation of the contactor use coil terminal.